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Dubuque County Resident is Iowa’s First COVID-19 Death

The Dubuque County Public Health Incident Management Team was notified this afternoon by the Iowa Department of Public Health (IDPH) that a Dubuque County resident with COVID-19 has passed away.

The individual was an older adult (61-80 years). No additional information about the individual will be provided.

“First and foremost, we express our sincere sympathy to this individual’s family,” said Patrice Lambert, executive director of the Dubuque County Public Health Department. “This death is a tragedy and a reminder for all of the seriousness of this virus. However, it is also important that everyone understands that this does not mean Dubuque County is more at risk for COVID-19 spread or deaths than other areas.”

Lambert said Dubuque County public health officials continue to work with the IDPH and local healthcare providers and other key partners to limit the spread and impact of the virus locally and across the state.

COVID-19 is spreading through Iowa communities and everyone should take the virus seriously and work to prevent its spread. The public is urged to follow the critical advice of the IDPH and local public health officials and healthcare providers:

Practice social distancing by avoiding groups of people and staying at least 6 feet away from other individuals.

Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow/upper arm.

Wash hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

If you are ill, stay home and call your healthcare provider before visiting a healthcare facility.

Although the Dubuque Visiting Nurse Association (VNA) public health nurses work with confirmed cases in Dubuque County, it is important to remember that since there is community spread in the county and in Iowa, all residents should take precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19.

For more information from the Iowa Department of Public Health, visit https://idph.iowa.gov/Emerging-Health-Issues/Novel-Coronavirus